J Prev Med Hyg. 2025 Oct 31;66(3):E391-E397. doi: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2025.66.3.3451. eCollection 2025 Sep.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Intellectual disability is a permanent disability and raising such a child may lead to varied physical, social, emotional response from caregivers. Data of Quality of life of family members of such children is underexplored.
OBJECTIVES: To measure quality of life of family members of intellectually disabled children.
METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving seven functional special schools in Ahmedabad. Out of 382 eligible children, 253 parents (Category A) and 195 siblings (Category B) were included. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Quality of life for parents was assessed using the National Institute of Mental Health Disability Impact Scale, while siblings were evaluated using the Columbia Impairment Scale (Youth Version).
RESULTS: Among Category A participants, the most negatively affected domains were social life (77.1%), physical care (65.2%) and embarrassment (60.5%). Positive effects included better family relationships and increased empathy. Among siblings, 80.5% exhibited functional impairment (score >16), with common problems related to emotional well-being, behaviour and peer interactions. Age, education, and employment status significantly influenced impairment scores.
CONCLUSION: Parents and siblings of children with ID experience considerable negative impacts on their quality of life. These findings highlight the need for targeted psychosocial and support interventions to address the challenges faced by these families.
PMID:41292543 | PMC:PMC12643091 | DOI:10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2025.66.3.3451
